Fleet Steam

Main Line 2008 - 35028 Clan Line

151kb	11 January 2008 A return to visit to Byfleet Junction for Clan Line with this VSOE circular tour from London Victoria via Guildford.  We visited on 15 December for 60009 but some sound recording gear failed so I thought it may be worth another go.  A very wet and windy day in Surrey relented for an hour or so at lunchtime and enabled a shot of 35028 climbing onto the main line from the Addlestone line.  35028 makes steady progress on wet rails following a service train towards Woking.  The signal gantry for the 'up' main shows route indicators for either the 'up' slow or Addlestone line.   Listen to Clan Line passing on Sound 2008 here.
157kb	26 January 2008 In bright winter sunlight, 35028 Clan Line dashes through the trees approaching The Devil's Highway, a Roman road near Silchester.  35028 was hauling a VSOE trip from London Victoria to Southampton E Docks and taking a rare route through Reading and Basingstoke.  In the background is the fine spire of St Mary's Church in Stratfield Mortimer.
139kb	01 March 2008 35028 Clan Line gets away from Brookwood with this VSOE circular tour from London Victoria via Haslemere, Eastleigh and Basingstoke.  I'd just arrived from Fleet following an ultimately unsuccessful attempt at a view across the Pond which can be viewed at The Siding here.   We can listen to the departing 'pacific' though on Sound 2008 here.

1. 158kb 2. 159kb 3. 155kb 4. 150kb 5. 118kb 6. 155kb

On the outward leg we first see 35028 heading through Weybridge in the rain on the ‘down slow’.  35028 is just about to be diverted onto the ‘down fast’ at the end of the platform to continue its trip towards a water stop at Winchfield.   Moments later, as 35028 slows for the line change, we see plenty of detail on this immaculate locomotive.  Note the two white headcode discs indicating destinations to Salisbury and the west.   Images 3, 4 and 5 are from the water stop at Winchfield.  In 3 and 4 we get an overall view with 35028 stationary then just getting underway.  5, taken from the Odiham Road bridge, sees the loco heading away through Shapley Heath cutting towards Basingstoke.   Finally, on the return leg, we head out to the South Downs.  Just after virtual blizzard conditions, the sky clears and the Sun just catches Clan Line as it climbs through the downs.  35028 is seen passing the Chapel of St Hubert as it heads towards Petersfield.   The wind is tearing across the downs as 35028 passes but you can catch some of the sound and a melancholy distant whistle on Sound 2008 here.

176kb 157kb	26 April 2008 A couple of views here of Clan Line with this VSOE trip from London Victoria to Oxford and return.  Both views following a stop for servicing 35028.  First view from the outward trip, then a view as 35028 heads out through the evening from Ascot on the return.   Both trips sounded very good.  The evening trip could be heard a good five minutes following departure.  However, constant slamming doors for most of the recording means I can't bring you the delightful sound of Clan Line for this trip but this is a promising location and I will endeavour to find a better spot for recording.
152kb 146kb 156kb	28 May 2008 Three views here on very dark and wet day of Clan Line with this VSOE trip from London Victoria to Bristol and return.    First up we catch 35028 just outside Grateley on the outward leg, going well here before the descent to Salisbury to service the loco.   Second, after leaving Salisbury, 35028 charges up the Wylye Valley towards Westbury.  Not the view I intended having been stuck in traffic on the A303.   Finally, on the return, we see the immaculate 'pacific' heading past the peeling facade at Twyford Station in atrocious conditions on the return leg.   I dragged the mic all over but only managed a reasonable clip in the pouring rain at Twyford.  Catch it on Sound 2008 here.
170kb	21 June 2008 A rather unorthodox but interesting view of Clan Line breezing through Virginia  Water with this returning VSOE trip from London Victoria to Oxford.  35028 is about to head under the Christchurch Road Bridge and across the junction for the Addlestone line before heading on for Egham and Staines.  Note also the Position Light Ground Signal showing a 'stop' aspect (not for 35028's line though).   Clan Line is flying along briskly and quietly here so no sound for the trip.  Still trying a good spot in this area.
201kb	23 July 2008 A humid and overcast day sees 35028 Clan Line cruising under Battledown Flyover just outside Basingstoke. 35028 was heading a VSOE trip from London Victoria to Bristol and return with 35028 running as far Westbury. The flyover carries the 'up' (to London) line from Winchester alleviating the need for a junction at this point (although a flat junction did exist before the flyover came into use in 1897).   Although looking like a summer meadow this location sounded more like an international airport on Sound 2008 here.
160kb	02 August 2008 Having completely missed the intended view we nevertheless get to see 35028 Clan Line departing Didcot Parkway for Foxhall Junction.  From there the whole train would reverse to Oxford (hauled by a Diesel on the rear of the train).  35028 was hauling a VSOE trip from London Victoria to Oxford and return.  Behind 35028 and hidden from view is the Didcot Railway Centre.
183kb	05 November 2008 Drifting through some fine autumn colour in Shapley Heath cutting, just beyond Winchfield Station, 35028 Clan Line heads this VSOE trip from London Victoria to Bristol and return.  35028 has slowed, possibly due to a temporary speed restriction, there are maintenance workers obscured by the train.  A Class 158 DMU (diesel multiple unit) is about to overtake Clan Line.
186kb 160kb	20 December 2008 Two views here of 35028 Clan Line heading this VSOE circular trip from London Victoria.  First, 35028 drifts through Guildford North Junction approaching a stop at Guildford. Second and with some irony our final look at 2008, sees 35028 about to enter the tunnel just south of the station.